Kirill accepted the Honorary Fellowship — which was presented in recognition of his outstanding contribution to music and his sensational 15-year tenure as the BSO’s Chief Conductor — at AUB’s Graduation Ceremony in Bournemouth, on Friday 21 July.
Nominations for the awards, which recognise people who have made a significant contribution in the fields of arts, design, media and performance, are received from the University’s staff, students and alumni.
During his tenure, Karabits has helped to lead several projects that have celebrated the BSO’s creative partnership with AUB, including visual arts projects tied to performances of the music of Berlioz and Strauss. Recognition of Kirill’s work with young creatives was anticipated to inspire the latest cohort of graduates entering the creative world.
He joins an impressive list of AUB Fellows from the worlds of visual and performance arts, including Edgar Wright, Adjoa Andoh, Lord Norman Foster, Darcey Bussell and the late Dame Vivienne Westwood. The BSO’s Chief Executive, Dougie Scarfe OBE, was also recognised with an Honorary Fellowship, in 2019.
Paul Gough, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Arts University Bournemouth, said: “Kirill’s work with the next generation of bright musicians and creatives is deeply inspiring, as is his commitment to encouraging diversity. We hope recognition of Kirill’s contribution to music, particularly here on the South Coast, will inspire our young graduates in the fields of arts, media and performance.”
Kirill Karabits, Chief Conductor of Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, said: “I’m truly honoured to accept this award from Arts University Bournemouth. Throughout my time on the South Coast I’ve continually felt impressed by the quality of work that AUB’s students and alumni produce, and am proud to have worked on collaborative projects between the BSO and AUB. This award means a lot and I’m thrilled to be a part of this year’s celebrations.”
Kirill Karabits concludes his tenure as Chief Conductor at the close of the BSO’s 2023/24 concert season. He becomes Conductor Laureate, Artistic Director, Voices from the East from autumn 2024.
Find out more about Kirill’s final season as Chief Conductor